Higher moisture levels in grain call for additional safety measures

The Grain Community Agricultural Rescue Trailer (C.A.R.T.), Ohio's first grain rescue simulator, was designed by Ohio State University students. It is used to train first responders, grain industry employees and farm families about the hazards of flowing grain.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – As corn silage harvest comes to a close and grain harvest nears, growers need to be aware of safety precautions to prevent grain engulfments.

According to safety experts from Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, the issue is of particular concern this year as higher moisture levels in some crops could lead to more out-of-condition grain at storage time.

That can increase the chance for grain bin disruptions and potential engulfments, said Andrew “Dewey” Mann, safety research associate for Ohio State University Extension.

Moisture levels

“The way things are looking right now we’re hearing from some growers that moisture levels are at 28-32 percent,” Mann said. “Some growers have started harvesting already, and they have to get that grain harvest down to safe storage moisture levels.

“Corn needs to be at safe storage moisture of about 15 percent, or cooled quickly to reduce biological activity (spoiling grain).”

This lessens the potential for grain bin engulfments because out-of-condition or spoiled grain can impact the flow of grain in the bin, Mann said.

Try to unlodge grain

Grain bin engulfments can occur when growers enter the grain bin to determine why grain flow has stopped or slowed, he said.

“Many anecdotal reports and case studies of grain engulfments include farmers who, after finding the flow of grain stopped, will enter the grain bin alone with the auger continuing to run and begin to poke at the lodged grain from above with a long pipe, bar or board,” Mann said.

But when the pipe breaks through the caked grain over the grain intake, grain flows and the farmer is immediately buried in the grain.

In fact, in 2010, there were 51 grain entrapments on farms and commercial facilities nationwide, half of which were fatal, he said.

Already in Ohio, there have been two fatalities this year alone involving grain bins and silos, Mann said.

‘I’ve done it before.’

“Even experienced growers can find themselves engulfed in grain bins and silos,” he said, noting that the two fatalities associated with grain bins and silos this year in Ohio were both males over 65.

“Most growers have probably entered that grain bin many times before, but each year is a new product as a result of a new growing season,” Mann said.

“Even though you’ve been in that grain bin before doesn’t mean that the conditions are similar to those you’ve encountered before.

“The issue is that when the grain stops flowing, that’s the point where people often stop thinking about safety and focus on the need to get the product out. They just don’t anticipate how quickly the grain will start flowing.” Grim statistics. From 2001-2010, Ohio reported 14 farm-related deaths associated with grain bins and silos, he said.

Some safety tips for growers when working with grain bins and silos include:

Stay out of the grain bin if possible.

Never enter a grain bin when the unloading equipment is on even if the grain isn’t flowing.

Never enter a grain bin alone. If entry into the bin is necessary, always have an observer outside the bin, and make sure all augers are turned off.

One person is to enter the bin and the other(s) remain outside in case an emergency occurs. Always use a body harness with a lifeline secured to the outside of the bin.

Don’t enter a bin that has automatic unloading equipment without first locking out power to the equipment.

Be cautious around out-of-condition grain, including grain caked to walls. Dangers result from molds, blocked flow, cavities, crusting and grain avalanches.